Bengaluru, Sep 28 (NationPress) India achieved a resounding win against New Zealand, while Bangladesh triumphed over Sri Lanka in a nail-biting finish during warm-up matches prior to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka starting September 30.

In their second warm-up encounter, India clinched a decisive 4-wicket victory (DLS Method) over New Zealand, solidifying their preparations for the tournament opener against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 30, in Guwahati.

Chasing a target of 237 to recover from a significant loss to England, India began strong but faced early challenges. They raced to 54/0 by the eighth over, before Jess Kerr dismissed Pratika Rawal, marking New Zealand’s first breakthrough. Uma Chetry continued the momentum but fell for 38, leaving India at a precarious 71/2.

However, Harleen Deol and captain Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings, both scoring half-centuries with 74 and 69 runs respectively. Their partnership of 132 runs for the third wicket propelled India towards victory.

Despite late strikes from Bree Illing and Jess Kerr, who took the wickets of Jemimah Rodrigues and Kaur, India managed to secure the win with ten balls remaining.

Earlier, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to bat first, with play commencing after a rain delay.

India took early control, reducing New Zealand to 38/2 by the eighth over. However, a solid partnership between skipper Sophie Devine and Melie Kerr stabilized the innings, with Devine reaching a well-deserved half-century before Kerr fell for 40 in the 25th over. At the halfway point, New Zealand stood at 132/3.

In their first warm-up match, New Zealand faced India A, scoring an impressive 273 runs in their innings, highlighted by an unbeaten century from Izzy Gaze. However, India A emerged victorious by the DLS method, finishing at 226/6 in 39.3 overs before rain interrupted.

In contrast, India struggled in their initial warm-up match against England, who posted a daunting total of 339. Despite a promising start, India fell short by 152 runs.

Bangladesh's thrilling victory

Bangladesh exhibited resilience, clinching a dramatic win over Sri Lanka by just one run in their warm-up match ahead of the World Cup kickoff on September 30.

This match served as an ideal preparation after their previous warm-up was cut short due to rain, with less than 10 overs played a couple of days prior.

Despite a shaky start with Sri Lanka collapsing from 56/1 to 86/4, Kaveesha Dilhari and Nilakshika Silva anchored the innings, both scoring vital half-centuries. Dilhari's knock of 63 ended in an unfortunate manner when her bat slipped and hit the stumps, but Silva's 75 off 78 continued to push Sri Lanka forward.

Marufa Akter successfully defended nine runs in the final over, aided by Nahida Akter, who took 3 wickets for 28 runs in her 10 overs, altering the match's dynamics.

Earlier, Bangladesh opted to bat first after winning the toss, and despite a rough start with Farzana Haque dismissed on the first ball of the second over, Rubya Haider and Sharmin Akter stabilized the innings with a 90-run partnership. However, Sri Lanka's bowlers, particularly Dewmi Vihanga, Malki Madara, and Kaveesha Dilhari, maintained pressure, each taking two wickets and restricting Bangladesh to 242/8, thanks to Sharmin Akter's score of 71.

Both teams are gearing up for their upcoming matches in the World Cup, with Sri Lanka set to face India in Guwahati on September 30 and Bangladesh taking on Pakistan in Colombo on October 2.